Never would I have played kendama

The other day I introduced that kendama is a good tool for improving concentration. It got me thinking that had I never lived in Japan, I probably would have never have tried playing kendama. Even though it is an activity that has become more popular the world over, its still a very niche activity. I doubt I would have ever had the inclination to try it had I not lived in Japan.

Meanwhile in Japan, Kendama is available in so many places, it was inevitable that I finally picked one up and gave it a try.  I am no expert and I can only do basic tricks, but I quite like it.  Even if I never had children, and / or taught at a school, I would have still come across kendama at some stage in my life in Japan. You can find them in so many places. For example, some local museums, community centers and period houses, put kendama out for people to play with freely.  You can even buy them for just 110 yen at some 100 yen stores. They aren't the best quality, but they still make a good, cheap souvenir! 

Have you ever played kendama? Do you think you would have tried kendama if you never lived in Japan?